At the UK High School Invitational, three runners from Ronald W. Reagan High School, in Pfafftown, NC, laid down some pretty impressive times to jump start the 2011 indoor postseason. Senior Julie Swaim ran 5:06.54 for a true mile, which makes her #1 in the the state so far this winter, and #6 on the North Carolina all-time list! Teammate Kristen Henson ran 5:20.12, which is good for #7 in the state. On the boys side, Craig Engels continues his surge to the top of the state's rankings with a 1:57.30 for the 800 (NC #1 this year, #10 all time).
Also yesterday but at the Gamecock Invitational, hosted by the University of South Carolina, Jarrett Samuels jumped 24' 7" to move into the US #2 slot! His mark is #1 in North Carolina this season, and it ties him for #2 in state history! Jarrett (who was competing unattached against college competition) also ran 6.42 for the 55 dash, which ranks him #2 in NC and #13 in the nation. CLICK HERE for complete results on this event, which included a several other NC preps alongside some alumni now in the college ranks.
Although the Tar Heel State did not send a small group of athletes to the Simplot Games as in some years past, it looks like we will still be invading the Pacific Northwest next weekend: Blake Williams, Wesley Frazier, Thomas Graham, Ryan Walling, Scott Morgan, and Daishon Barger are entered in the Brooks PR Invitational in Washington State. CLICK HERE for a direct link to that meet's schedule and entry lists.
Then, of course, comes the New Balance Indoor Nationals. Where in past years there have been two competing national championships for indoor track, this year there will be only one! This means an even more intensely competitive meet, and several NC stars will seek to prove themselves on that stage. Stay tuned to NC Milesplit for updates on entries!